Barrichello Expects Stronger Rivals in Malaysia

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello is expecting a stronger challenge from his rivals at the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Ferrari driver, and teammate Michael Schumacher, dominated the season opening Australian Grand Prix, topping the times in all the practice and qualifying sessions at the wheel of an updated version of last year's F2001 car.

Schumacher went on to win the race after Barrichello was eliminated in a first corner accident with Williams' Ralf Schumacher, but the Brazilian driver believes their rivals will be more competitive this weekend at the Sepang circuit, where the Italian team have won all the races held there.

"Ferrari has won all three Grands Prix held in Malaysia, which gives us cause for optimism," said Barrichello, who like his teammate, did not return to Europe after the Australian race. "But I think it is logical to expect the other teams to be more competitive this weekend.

"Even though me and Michael have not returned to Europe after Australia, work has been continuing and while Luca Badoer concentrated on the new car, Luciano Burti has continued to test the F2001, working mainly on tyres. Having failed to open my points account in Melbourne, I am regarding the Malaysian GP as a second start to the season."